I Have Chronic Kidney Disease. Is It Safe To Get An Angiogram After A Heart Attack?

Question: I have chronic kidney disease and have been scheduled for an angiogram after my heart attack. Is it safe? Will it increase my chances of needing dialysis?

Answer: Patients who have chronic kidney disease are at increased risk for kidney damage related to invasive procedures, such as coronary angiograms, that require the administration of intravenous contrast material, commonly called dye.

In this case, the likelihood of requiring dialysis is increased, but only slightly so, in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease; more substantially so in those with severe chronic kidney disease.